The Corona virus pandemic not only threatens physical health, but also the mental health of every individual. Not only fear, psychological effects can also have a serious impact. What mental health disorders can arise and how to overcome them?
Outbreaks of Corona virus infection or COVID-19 are widespread and have spread to more than 190 countries. At present the number of COVID-19 positive patients is increasing rapidly.
This certainly can cause fear and panic. Moreover, the suggestion to stay at home and the social distancing policy, which is now called physical distancing, more or less creates emotional distance between family, friends, coworkers, friends, or fellowship in places of worship that can provide mutual support.
For some people, this can be felt as an enormous pressure or burden. If not controlled, the pressure will have a negative impact on mental health.
Mental Health Disorders During Corona Virus Pandemic
Mental health disorders that occur during a pandemic can be caused by various things, such as fear of epidemics, feelings of isolation during quarantine, sadness and loneliness due to being away from family or loved ones, anxiety about the necessities of daily life, plus confusion due to information mazy.
Not only do these things affect people who have mental health problems, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, they can also affect people who are physically and mentally healthy.
Some groups that are vulnerable to psychological stress during the Corona virus pandemic are children, the elderly, and medical staff. Pressure that occurs during this pandemic can cause disruption in the form of:
- Excessive fear and anxiety for the safety of yourself and those closest to you
- Changes in sleep patterns and eating patterns
- Difficult to concentrate
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Deteriorating physical health, especially in sufferers of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension
- Psychosomatic disorders
Tips for Maintaining Mental Health During the Corona Virus Pandemic
The following are some things you can do to maintain mental health during the Corona virus pandemic:
1. Do physical activity
Various light sports, such as jogging or jumping on the spot, you can do during quarantine at home. By doing physical activity, your body will produce endorphins which can relieve stress, reduce worry, and improve your mood.
Stretching and breathing exercises can also help you to calm down. Don’t forget to bask in the morning sun to boost the immune system.
2. Eat nutritious foods
Eat foods that contain protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. You can get a variety of nutrients from rice and cereal, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, nuts, and milk.
Not only to maintain your body’s health, adequate nutrition can also maintain your mental health, both directly and indirectly.
3. Stop bad habits
If you are a smoker, try to stop these bad habits from now on. Smoking will increase your risk of getting infected with germs, including Corona virus. In addition, limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages can interfere with your physical and mental health.
Bad habits that also need to be stopped are lack of rest or often staying up late. If you don’t get enough rest, it will be easier for you to experience anxiety and your mood will be more unstable.
4. Make your own routine
During quarantine at home, you can do hobbies or activities that you like, such as cooking, reading books, or watching movies. In addition to increasing productivity, these activities can also eliminate boredom.
5. It is more wise to sort out information
Limit your time to watch, read, or hear news about pandemics, both from television, print and social media to reduce anxiety.
Even so, do not close yourself completely from important information. Sort out the information you receive critically and wisely. Get information about the Corona virus pandemic only from trusted sources.
6. Maintain communication with family and friends
Take the time to communicate with your family, friends, friends and coworkers, either via text message, telephone, or video call. You can tell the worries and anxieties that you feel. In this way, the pressure you feel can be reduced so that you can be calmer.
If you do have a mental disorder, take medication that your doctor has prescribed regularly. If necessary, check with your doctor regularly so your doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
Fear and anxiety are normal during a pandemic like this. However, try to always think positive and grateful. If the stress and fear that you experience feels very heavy, do not hesitate to consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist through the chat feature with a doctor on the e-nikka.ca application.